apart

Separately from each other, rather than together.

• They live apart now.
• Keep the two groups apart.
• The twins had never spent a night apart.

Similar words: separately

Opposites: together

Common phrases: live apart, keep something apart, consider something apart

Into separate pieces or parts.

• The old chair fell apart.
• He took the clock apart to repair it.
• Can you pull these two pieces apart?

Similar words: to pieces

Common phrases: take something apart, fall apart, pull something apart

Clearly different from other people or things, often because of unusual qualities.

• She is a musician apart.
• Their skill makes them a class apart.
• These artists are a breed apart.

Similar words: distinct, exceptional, different

Opposites: ordinary

Common phrases: a class apart, a breed apart, a world apart

With space between two or more people or things.

• Stand a little apart.
• The chairs are two metres apart.
• The islands drifted farther apart over millions of years.

How to use it: distance + apart (The two houses are fifty metres apart.); apart from someone/something (She stood apart from the crowd.)

Similar words: away from

Common phrases: far apart, metres apart, apart from someone

Leaving something out when thinking about or discussing a situation.

• Joking apart, we need help.
• Price apart, both cars suit us.
• Their differences apart, they work well together.

How to use it: something + apart (The cost apart, the plan looks sensible.)

Similar words: aside

Common phrases: joking apart, something apart, cost apart